A week-long series of yoga sessions will be organised in Sri Vijaya Puram and surrounding areas from September 8 to 15 as part of Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2025, with a special focus on tackling obesity among men. The initiative, led by the AYUSH Wing of the Directorate of Health Services along with the A&N State AYUSH Society, aims to encourage healthier lifestyles and spread awareness about the role of yoga and balanced living in preventing lifestyle-related diseases.
The sessions will run daily from 5:00 am to 6:00 am at the Yoga Unit of AYUSH Hospital, Junglighat, and at Marina Park. Men in the age group of 30 to 35 years have been identified as the primary target participants, reflecting growing concerns over obesity and related health conditions in this demographic. Interested participants have been asked to complete their registration before September 6 at the Yoga Unit of AYUSH Hospital to secure a place in the programme.
During the week-long engagement, yoga instructors and health experts will guide participants through a combination of yoga asanas, breathing techniques, and relaxation practices. Alongside the physical training, advice will also be shared on lifestyle management and balanced nutrition, with the intention of equipping men with long-term strategies for maintaining fitness and preventing chronic illnesses. The sessions are designed not only to build physical stamina and flexibility but also to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Obesity and lifestyle-related health issues have been rising concerns in the islands, with changing dietary habits, reduced physical activity, and increased sedentary lifestyles contributing to the trend. By focusing on men in their early thirties, the programme addresses a group often caught between professional responsibilities and family commitments, leaving limited time for health management. The sessions, held in accessible locations during early morning hours, seek to integrate wellness into daily routines without major disruptions to work schedules.
Health experts will emphasise the importance of adopting yoga as a consistent practice rather than a short-term activity. Daily sessions will introduce participants to exercises aimed at improving posture, enhancing flexibility, strengthening muscles, and boosting metabolism. Breathing techniques and meditation will also be highlighted as tools for relaxation and mental clarity, offering participants a holistic approach to managing stress and improving their quality of life.
Rashtriya Poshan Maah, celebrated annually across India, is dedicated to raising awareness about nutrition and healthy living. While many programmes under Poshan Maah focus on maternal and child health, this particular initiative underscores the need to also address men’s health. By involving men as active participants in wellness activities, the programme seeks to encourage a culture of shared responsibility for health within families and communities.
In addition to the physical benefits, the sessions are expected to create a platform for social interaction and peer motivation. Participants will have the opportunity to learn in groups, share experiences, and support one another in building healthier routines. Such collective engagement often leads to sustained commitment to wellness goals, as individuals are encouraged by the progress and participation of others.
The organisers have placed emphasis on registration ahead of time to ensure smooth management of the sessions. The requirement for early sign-up allows facilitators to plan for adequate space, resources, and instructor availability. With the programme scheduled to begin on September 8, residents have been advised to complete formalities before the September 6 deadline.
As the islands mark Rashtriya Poshan Maah with a variety of activities, the yoga sessions for men highlight a growing recognition that preventive healthcare is as important as treatment. By encouraging yoga as a tool for fitness and lifestyle management, the week-long programme aims to equip participants with practices they can continue well beyond the campaign, contributing to healthier individuals and communities in the Andamans.
